In this interview, we talk with Pak Alif Gusti from ERP Indonesia, one of 1Ci key partners in the region. For the past two years, ERP Indonesia has been working closely with 1Ci to help businesses in Indonesia streamline their operations and achieve their goals using advanced ERP solutions.

Pak Alif shares the story of the company’s journey in the IT industry, the challenges they face in ERP implementation, and how the partnership with 1Ci has helped them grow. From building trust with clients to creating innovative solutions, this interview highlights the power of collaboration and shared goals.

Hello, Alif, and thank you for joining this interview session. Today, we’d like to ask you some questions regarding your partnership with 1Ci. We understand that you’ve been a 1Ci partner for the past two years, and we’d love to hear your thoughts about this collaboration. And, first of all, we would like to ask you to share some background about your company and its mission in the IT industry.

Despite not being the owner or the CEO of the company, I’ve heard many stories and insights about its beginnings and journey, which I can gladly share. If I were to condense it into one narrative, it aligns with what the CEO of 1C International, Mr. Maxim Mikhaylov, heard during his visit to our office in Indonesia.

ERP Indonesia was born out of a desire to create a company that values people, unlike the exploitative practices we often see in businesses that prioritize efficiency over human well-being. Our company is built on the idea that we can achieve productivity and effectiveness while treating people as human beings.

This philosophy doesn’t just guide our internal operations but extends to how we serve our customers. ERP Indonesia was established to delegate routine administrative tasks to machines and systems, allowing people to focus on better decision-making processes. Ultimately, this empowers them to spend more time with their families and live fuller lives as humans, not as cogs in a machine.

So, one of your corporate goals is to redefine the balance between work and life, emphasizing a more human-centric approach. What, in your view, is currently driving the growth of your business?

When implementing an ERP system using a project-based approach, challenges are inevitable. A successful project doesn’t mean the absence of problems, conflicts, or customer dissatisfaction. However, over time, we’ve built trust with our clients, even during less-than-ideal projects.

This trust comes from our expertise and commitment. Unlike other implementers who may hold clients "hostage" by controlling the system or source code to demand extra payments, we prioritize finishing what we agreed upon, even if it affects our profit margins. In some cases, we’ve even absorbed losses to honor our commitments. This approach has proven successful, as it generates organic leads and sustains our growth.

It’s inspiring to hear about your dedication despite challenges. What motivated you to become a 1Ci partner, and how do you see the partnership aligning with ERP Indonesia vision and goals?

To be honest, when we first received the partnership offer from 1Ci in 2022, we were already operating at full capacity. Entering this new, unknown territory seemed a bit frightening, since it implied taking on a whole new set of responsibilities.

However, I cannot express how grateful I am for our CEO, Pak Anang, who made the decision to accept the offer despite our doubts. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made.

The support we’ve received from 1Ci has been unparalleled. It’s not just about providing tools but working hand-in-hand with us to overcome obstacles. I can confidently say that our partnership with 1Ci has exceeded our expectations and brought immense value to our operations.

What challenges do you face in ERP implementation in Indonesia, particularly in terms of digital transformation and ERP solutions?

Digital transformation in Indonesia is uniquely challenging. Many companies lack standardized business processes or written workflows despite decades of operation. This creates a heavy reliance on implementers like us to provide not just ERP systems but also education, change management, and even process mapping from scratch.

The burden of creating roadmaps, defining workflows, and managing change often falls on us. Each client has distinct needs, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. This makes the landscape challenging but also rewarding when we successfully guide clients through their transformation journey.

How does the 1C:Drive solution address these challenges?

In industries like manufacturing, the complexity of processes often demands significant customization with traditional ERP systems. This increases costs, timelines, and strain for both implementers and clients.

With 1C:Drive, many features that typically require customization are already built into the system. This reduces implementation time, cuts costs, and eases the burden on clients. It’s a game-changer for both us and our customers.

I see. And could you share some specific success story about implementing 1C solutions and the support you received from 1Ci?

One memorable example was a client who initially doubted our expertise in 1C. They visited us to see a demo, but due to unforeseen technical issues, we couldn’t show the system. However, 1Ci stepped in, providing a direct recommendation letter from the Russian headquarters. This assurance convinced the client to proceed.

The support didn’t stop there. Throughout the project, 1Ci worked closely with us, holding regular meetings and assisting with high-level challenges. Their involvement has been crucial in ensuring project success and strengthening client trust.

Thank you so much for sharing this experience. In conclusion of our conversation, what are ERP Indonesia’s goals for the future?

Well, with the exceptional support we’ve received, we’re committed to expanding our 1C projects. We plan to develop localized features to address Indonesia’s regulatory needs and create niche products tailored to specific industries.

In the next five years, we envision offering ready-to-use solutions that reduce implementation time and costs. This will allow us to remain competitive while leveraging 1Ci’s ongoing support and technology.

Thank you, Alif, for this insightful discussion. It’s been a pleasure talking to you!